Visiting US President Barack Obama expressed hope that Malaysians will continue living with dignity and in peace, and Zulkifli Noordin believes the remark was made with Anwar Ibrahim in mind.

"Obama is very much aware that we have a chief of opposition who has been convicted of sodomy. He knows very well that if in the western country practicing dignified democracy, such a conviction would lead to voluntary resignation of the culprit.

"But alas, in Malaysia Bolehland, a convict can continue being head of the opposition. In fact Obama is very much aware that there are few convicts within the Malaysian opposition, some even made it to be Yang Berhormat (elected representatives)!" he added in a blog posting.

The former PKR MP said Malaysians cannot live in dignity with Anwar still at the helm of the opposition bloc.

"How can we continue living in dignity if we have a convicted criminal leading our opposition; and convicted of sodomy of all offences! And we have convicted criminals within our YB community.

"The only way for us to fulfil Obama's hope is to get rid of this menace of democracy once and for all," he added.

Zulkifli, who watched the live-telecast of Obama’s press conference yesterday, noted that the US president was asked about Anwar ( right ) and if he had raised the matter during his meeting with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"Obama's answer was very dignified and statesmen-like. He said that he has always been concerned about the upholding of the rule of law and right to be heard, and in Anwar’s case he hoped due process of law is given to him.

"Obama didn't touch the issue from the human rights or democracy angle; he answered it from the rule of law's point of view," he added.

Zulkifli believes that the US State Department briefed Obama well regarding the nature of Anwar's case.

"And that is exactly what Najib said. As far as the Malaysian government is concerned, it is not a case between the government and Anwar. It is a case between two individuals, a report lodged by Anwar's own staff that he was sodomised by his paymaster.

"It is not only Anwar who must be accorded justice and due process of law, but even the victim should be given his right to justice and the due process of law.

"The victim has every right to justice just like the accused, and the government cannot be seen to be applying two different set of laws - one to the big man and another to the small man.

"Justice and due process of law must be equally applied. Such is the firm answer from Najib in front of the world audience. And I hope this will put the matter to rest once and for all," he added.

The former Kulim Bandar Baharu MP also praised Najib for tackling the question with calmness and confidence, thus displaying his maturity.

"Not like some people who, when asked provocative question, would be quick to show hostile finger-pointing and threat of suing such person daring to asked such provocative question," he added in an obvious reference to Anwar.

Asked why he chose not to meet Anwar during his visit, Obama had said this does not mean he is not concerned about the opposition leader.

Previously, PKR criticised the US president for not meeting Anwar, accusing Obama of putting business interests above other matters with regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).